The H&M fall 2012 video lookbooks are out, allowing us to see the autumn trends in motion. The soundtrack is also quite soothing! In case you missed it, you can browse the still lookbook photos here.

Feedback on this collection has been extremely positive. I loved this comment from reader ajdematteo, who wrote "I give 95% a genuine WOW rating! But I'm giving a WTF rating to the bedazzled gun holster and the 'is it a wide belt or is it a tiny leather skirt' piece." It's that mix of extremes, so duly noted by ajdematteo, that makes this collection so compelling: A sporty baseball cap with over-the-top embellishment; or a gold lame skirt paired with a chunky oversized sweater.

I got to see the Fall collection pieces in person when I visited the H&M showroom last week and it's uh-mazing. I wasn't sure how the rhinestone-encrusted pieces would look in real life but I can assure you, they look luxe and make me yearn for fall. Already.

Watch the H&M Men's Fall 2012 video lookboook here. Shop the trend collection at select H&M stores beginning late summer.





Video via Barracuda Film & TV for H&M

Earlier this week I attended the T.J. Maxx/Marshalls Fall 2012 preview in New York City to scope out the trends that we'll be seeing at the end of summer. While you're gearing up for the Memorial Day weekend in shorts and flip-flops, retailers are showing magazine editors and bloggers their finest riding boots and cozy coats.

So here's what to expect for fall: Ladylike pieces with an edge, call-of-the-wild animal prints, jewel tones, and colorblocking. Easy enough, and easy on the wallet since most of last year's trends will be back!

The T.J. Maxx/Marshalls team reiterated the fact that all their merchandise is brand new, top-notch, designer names, current and in-season trends that just happen to be priced 20-60% less than what you'd pay at department stores. Thousands of new items arrive weekly in each store, sourced by buyers who scour the globe in search of the best items at the best prices.

Keep reading to see some highlights from the event. I will be honest, I wasn't wowed by the styling but there were many individual pieces that I loved, like Dolce Vita loafer flats, a BCBG wrap dress and a Vince Camuto leather handbag. You can see even more photos from the event on my Facebook page. Let me know what you think in the comments!

The fall collection lookbook from H&M is out, giving us a peek at the autumn trends we can shop in a few short months. It's elegant, a bit dark but certainly not brooding. There's plenty of day to night metallics, jeweled embellishments, boxy coats, colorblocked bags and ladylike leather. Printed pants and futuristic florals make a return visit as do varsity jackets and sporty hats (seen earlier in H&M's summer lookbook). The girl who can pull off that peplum leather "belt" will earn my instant admiration. I will strive to give that gorgeous pearl bedazzled collar necklace a go as well as the floral pants (still haven't found the perfect pair).

Which pieces and trends do you see yourself wearing this fall?

This afternoon I attended the Target Fall 2012 press preview held at the Hudson Hotel in New York City. Here are some of the highlights I snapped, showcasing the top trends you can expect to see in Target stores and online at Target.com this fall (which actually starts in late July and August, so you won't have to wait too long). From the Merona line, I saw lots of ladylike looks with a retro vibe (think Mad Men) that included pencil skirts, collared blouses, and shirtdresses. From Mossimo, I spotted colored cords in every shade, chambray shirts, printed denim (leopard, python and floral), colorblocking on tops and frocks, and lots of long knits for layering. Across the board, I was noticing tons of stripes, tiny polka-dots, tasteful leopard print and rich colors like magenta, goldenrod and teal - all very, very good news if you've been loving the direction of fashion right now...which I am, so way to go Target!

Click through to see more photos and let me know what you're loving in the comments!